Pumpkin Kernels

Cucurbita pepo

Origin / Harvest:

China / October

Description & History

Pumpinseed kernels are also known as squash seeds or pepitas (for pumpkin seeds grown in Mexico). Once shelled, pumpkin seed kernels are a nutritious and versatile ingredient. The word pumpkin itself has morphed as it traveled throughout various languages and cultures; it is claimed to have originated from the Greek word pepon, which means melon. The French nasalized the initial Greek word into pompon, the British to pumpion and American colonists finalized it to the form we now today – pumpkin.

There are two main varieties of pumpkin used for seed kernels in the U.S. food ingredient market:

Shine skin type is the most common variety. The kernel shelled from this pumpkin is light yellowish green. Shine skin kernels tend to be smaller than other varieties. Perhaps due to their smaller size, shine skin kernels are the most versatile and popular variety, easily utilized within a wide range of applications.

GWS (Grown Without Shell), or Styrian, type is growing in popularity. This kernel has a dark green color and is larger in size than its Shine Skin counterpart. This variety of kernel grows inside of a pumpkin literally without a shell. These kernels tend to sell at a discount as the absence of the shelling step lowers the processing costs. Traditionally, GWS has been used for oil. However, the market is now extending to bakery and snack applications.

Processors sort the kernels primarily according to color: A – yellow to pale green, AA – pale to medium green, AAA – medium green and darker. AA is our most commonly sold grade.

Due to the nature of their processing, pumpkin kernels can have elevated levels of bacteriological counts. We do offer heat treated pumpkin kernels that feature a lower level of microbiological activity.

Uses

Pumpkin seed kernels can be used in a variety of bakery products, cereals, salads and also as a snack. Whether they are consumed raw, roasted and salted, toasted, or baked, these kernels add flavor, color, and nutrition with each bite.

Nutrition

Pumpkin seed kernels are rich in unsaturated fatty acid and vitamins A, C, and E. Their protein content ranges from 22 to 40%, the highest concentration among all other seeds.